Abstract

Butler, John, (1731-1800) catholic bishop of Cork, was the third son of Edmond Butler, 18th Lord Dunboyne, of Grange, co. Tipperary and Anne Grace of Shanganagh, co. Tipperary. The Grange Butlers, a landed family, were part of the network of Butler families and dependents which covered much of South Leinster and Munster. A relative was archbishop of Cashel. His older brothers Pierce and Edmond were already soldiering in France when John decided on a career in the church.